Federal Loans

Student loans are designed to help you pay for tuition, books, and living expenses. Loans must be paid back, and they accrue interest over time. 

Federal Direct Loans

Through the Federal Direct Lending Program, borrowers receive federal loan funds directly from the U.S. Department of Education. There are two types of Federal Direct Loans:

1. Subsidized: The federal government pays the interest on this loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time or during times of authorized deferment. Direct Subsidized Loans are awarded based on federal financial need and grade level. .
2. Unsubsidized: Students are responsible for paying the interest that accumulates after the loan has disbursed. The interest can be paid while in school or the accrued interest will be capitalized (added to the principal balance). Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are awarded based on grade level, and financial need is not considered.

• Effective on July 1, 2022 the interest rate for both Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans is fixed at 4.99%.
• A fee of 1.057% is deducted from the loan amount at every disbursement.
• Repayment begins six months from the date of graduation, full withdrawal or enrollment less than half-time.
• There is no pre-payment penalty.
• 150% Loan Limit Rule –Beginning July 1st, 2013, any first time borrower, (which is defined as someone who has either never borrowed a federal student loan previously, or has borrowed previously but currently has a zero balance), will only be able to borrow federal direct subsidized loans for a maximum of 150% of the published program length in which he/she is enrolled. Once a student reaches the 150% mark, he/she will not be able to borrow further subsidized loans, however he/she may be eligible for unsubsidized loans. Additionally, those subsidized loans that had been borrowed up to the 150% point will lose further government subsidy and interest on these loans will begin to accrue. From the 150% point forward, these subsidized loans will become unsubsidized loans. For example, if the published length of a program is the equivalent of four years, a student may borrow subsidized loans for the equivalent of six years while in the same program, if all other eligibility requirements are met.
• New Direct Loan Borrowers at Vermont Tech must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling online at www.studentaid.gov.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan Program provides a borrowing option for parents of dependent undergraduate students to help finance their student’s education. The maximum amount a parent can borrow is the cost of attendance less other sources of financial aid. The student’s award letter will indicate the maximum amount eligible. This amount can be reduced or declined; no parent is required to borrow a Federal Direct PLUS Loan.

The funds are borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. This is a credit based loan. As of 07/01/2022, the interest rate is fixed at 7.54%, and there is a 4.228% fee deducted from every disbursement. Interest accrues from the first date of disbursement. Repayment begins after the loan is fully disbursed; however, deferment options are available to delay repayment. There is no pre-payment penalty.

To borrow through the Federal Direct PLUS Loan program the parent must pass a credit check, which is valid for 90 days. Parents without adverse credit will be approved for the loan. Adverse credit is defined by regulation as: 90 days or more delinquent on any debt or having a credit report that shows a default determination, bankruptcy discharge, foreclosure, repossession, tax lien, wage garnishment, or write-off of a Title IV debt, during the five years preceding the date of the credit report. Parents denied a Federal Direct PLUS Loan will be offered the option to appeal or apply with a credit-approved endorser.  Please see below for upcoming changes to the regulations on adverse credit history.

On March 29, 2015, the new Direct PLUS Loan regulations on adverse credit history will be implemented.  The new regulations provide that a PLUS loan applicant has an adverse credit history if, in addition to other conditions (e.g. bankruptcy, foreclosure, tax lien, or a default determination), the applicant has one or more debts that are 90 or more days delinquent or that are in collection or have been charged off during the two years preceding the date of the applicant’s credit report, but only if the total combined outstanding balance of those debts is greater than $2,085.  Special loan counseling will also be required for any PLUS Loan applicant who has an adverse credit history but who qualifies for a PLUS Loan through the process for reconsideration due to extenuating circumstances or by obtaining an endorser for the loan.  While the counseling is mandatory only for these borrowers, the Department of Education will offer voluntary counseling for all PLUS Loan borrowers.

NOTE: If parents are denied the PLUS, students may opt to borrow additional unsubsidized loan eligibility between $4000 and $5000 depending on grade level.

Parents intending to borrow a PLUS Loan will need to complete a paper application available on the Forms page; then submit it by either mail or fax to the Financial Aid Office.  The parent will also need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) online at www.studentaid.gov.  In subsequent years, only the PLUS Application will need to be completed. The MPN is valid for 10 years after a loan has been issued from it.

Federal Perkins Loan

This loan program has been discontinued by the Federal Government.

Federal Perkins Loans borrowed by VTC students are serviced by ECSI.

VTC is contracted with ECSI to assist in the administration and billing of VTC and Federal Perkins Loans. ECSI acts on behalf of the Vermont Technical College for the billing and repayment of your student loans. As an agent for VTC, ECSI will assist you in meeting your repayment obligation for your student loan(s).

Payments, correspondence and questions may be directed to:

ECSI
100 Global View Drive, Suite 800
Warrendale, PA 15086
Phone: (888)-549-3274